What is a good interest rate on a house?
As of Apr. 19, 2024, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 7.50%, 20-year fixed mortgage rate is 7.39%, 15-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.89%, and 10-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.79%. Average rates for other loan types include 7.31% for an FHA 30-year fixed mortgage and 7.20% for a jumbo 30-year fixed mortgage.
Currently, a 4% mortgage rate would be considered low. If that question was asked at the beginning of 2022—when 30-year mortgage rates for conforming loans was 3.77%–instead of the end of 2022—when the same mortgage rates were 7.06%—the answer would have been, yes, a 4% mortgage rate is high.
“In today's market, 6% is a great rate compared to the historic average of a little over 7%,” Rueth said. “However, 6% no longer looks good because homeowners were spoiled by 2.75% mortgage rates a few years ago.” Homeowners also feel the burden of steep home prices, making those high rates hurt even more.
30 year fixed | 7.03% |
---|---|
15 year fixed | 6.50% |
10 year fixed | 6.37% |
5/1 ARM | 6.53% |
A year ago, the average 30-year fixed-rate was 6.39%. Breaching 7% represents a psychological threshold that hadn't yet been crossed this year and adds to pressures buffeting the US housing market during the crucial spring homebuying season.
It's possible that rates will one day go back down to 3%, though if current trends hold that's not likely to happen anytime soon.
As mortgage rates inch lower towards the 6% mark, the real estate market is cooling. Still, many homeowners still have low interest rates compared to the 6.66% they fell to last week. In fact, nearly 89% of borrowers have an interest rate below 6%, a Redfin study reports.
But there is a tipping point, recent reports found: Homeowners are nearly twice as willing to sell their home if their mortgage rate is 5% or higher, according to Zillow, and 71% of prospective homebuyers who plan to purchase their next home with a mortgage said they would not accept a rate above 5.5% — that is the " ...
Economists do expect rates to gradually decrease this year, though. Forecasts from both Fannie Mae and the Mortgage Bankers Association predict the average 30-year rate will be at 6.4% by the end of 2024.
What to expect from mortgage rates in 2024. Mortgage forecasters base their projections on different data, but most housing market experts predict rates will move toward 6% by the end of 2024.
Is it smart to buy a house when interest rates are high?
The bottom line. Today's elevated mortgage rate environment isn't preferable for homebuyers, but it doesn't mean that you should refrain from acting, either. If you discover your dream home, can afford the interest rate, find an affordable house, or have an alternative to rent, it can be worth it for you now.
There's likely to be less buyer competition for the home you want, plus the potential that higher rates will provide downward pressure on sales prices. And you can always refinance when rates come down again, provided that your income and credit score remain strong.
The average 30-year fixed rate reached an all-time record low of 2.65% in January 2021 before surging to 7.79% in October 2023, according to Freddie Mac.
At a 7.00% fixed interest rate, a 30-year $100,000 mortgage may cost you around $665 per month, while a 15-year mortgage has a monthly payment of around $899.
Monthly payments on a $400,000 mortgage
At a 7.00% fixed interest rate, your monthly mortgage payment on a 30-year mortgage might total $2,661 a month, while a 15-year might cost $3,595 a month.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR) | Monthly payment (15 year) | Monthly payment (30 year) |
---|---|---|
6.75% | $884.91 | $648.60 |
7.00% | $898.83 | $665.30 |
7.25% | $912.86 | $682.18 |
7.50% | $927.01 | $699.21 |
Here's where three experts predict mortgage rates are heading: Around 6% or below by Q1 2025: "Rates hit 8% towards the end of last year, and right now we are seeing rates closer to 6.875%," says Haymore. "By the first quarter of 2025, mortgage rates could potentially fall below the 6% threshold, or maybe even lower."
You can refinance as often as you like, as long as it makes financial sense (and you meet the lender's seasoning requirement). If your goal of refinancing is to save money, you'll want to consider the closing costs in comparison to your potential savings.
Product | Interest Rate | APR |
---|---|---|
30-Year Fixed Rate | 7.19% | 7.24% |
20-Year Fixed Rate | 7.04% | 7.09% |
15-Year Fixed Rate | 6.66% | 6.74% |
10-Year Fixed Rate | 6.55% | 6.62% |
As mortgage rates hit 8%, home 'affordability is incredibly difficult,' economist says. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate hit 8% for the first time since 2000. Homebuyers must earn $114,627 to afford a median-priced house in the U.S., according to a recent report by Redfin, a real estate firm.
How do I qualify for the lowest mortgage rate?
- Improve your credit score. ...
- Build a steady employment record. ...
- Save up for a down payment. ...
- Understand your debt-to-income ratio. ...
- Check out different mortgage loan types and terms. ...
- Consider paying mortgage points. ...
- Compare offers from multiple mortgage lenders. ...
- Lock in your mortgage rate.
In today's market, a good mortgage interest rate can fall in the high-6% range, depending on several factors, such as the type of mortgage, loan term, and individual financial circ*mstances. To understand what a favorable mortgage rate looks like for you, get quotes from a few different lenders and compare them.
According to a new survey of potential homebuyers, 5% is the "magic mortgage rate" that will spur them to purchase. Not sure which loan type to choose? Go with a 30 Year Fixed Rate Loan, 90%+ of Americans do.
How Much Difference Does 1% Make On A Mortgage Rate? The short answer: It can produce thousands or even potentially tens of thousands in savings in any given year, depending on the purchase price of your property, your overall mortgage rate, and the total amount of the mortgage being financed.
Although ranges vary depending on the credit scoring model, generally credit scores from 580 to 669 are considered fair; 670 to 739 are considered good; 740 to 799 are considered very good; and 800 and up are considered excellent.
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